Friedrich Merz and Donald Tusk. Meeting in Warsaw

– With full responsibility I announce a new opening in Polish -German relations, perhaps the most important in the history of the last several years – said Donald Tusk after meeting the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The Chancellor Friedrich Merz, elected by Bundestag, is visiting Warsaw on Wednesday. The head of the German government talked with Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Earlier on the same day, Merz visited France And he met with President Emmanuel Macron.

– We have a real chance to strengthen Polish-German relations in such a way that they serve Poland as well as possible, Germany and Europe – said Prime Minister Tusk at a conference organized after talking to Muze.

The head of the Polish government turned to Merz, saying that he knew very well the views of the German Chancellor and his attitude towards Polish-German relations and Europe. – I know enough to be an optimist today about the future of our relationships – emphasized the prime minister.

As Tusk assessed, the gesture of Merza, consisting in visiting Paris and Warsaw on the first day of office, “shows very clearly how important for the future of Europe – and in some sense that for the future of the world – there are Polish -German relations, how important a strong Europe is.” – And a strong Europe will only be when we take a common and full responsibility for it – he added.

– With full responsibility I announce a new opening in Polish -German relations, perhaps the most important in the history of the last several years – said Prime Minister Tusk.

Prime Minister with common tasks and cooperation

Prime Minister Tusk emphasized the role of the Weimar triangle format, which consists of Germany, Poland and France. – I am convinced that we will find in the near future and – I strongly urge it – this moment to meet as a Weimarski triangle, not always used as it should. And I am convinced – as a veteran of Polish -German -French works – that the future of Europe really depends to a large extent on how this Weimarski triangle will work – he said.

During the conference, the Prime Minister reported that the protection of the Polish border with Belarus and Russiais a common task and duty of all of Europe. “So also Germany,” said Tusk.

Tusk emphasized that in this connection Poland is taking on “all the burden of responsibility for protecting this border”. As he reminded, we have invested billions of zlotys in infrastructure, which “allows you to stop illegal migration and increase security in the face of potential aggression from the eastern neighbor.”

He emphasized that we practically closed the trail of illegal migration organized by Belarus, Russia and international groups of smugglers. That is why – as he added – “we expect not only understanding, but full support in these tasks.”

The Prime Minister noted that he could not imagine that in the future Poland would become “victim of any actions in the European Union”, because, as he specified, Poland took on “the greatest burden when it comes to migrants from Ukraine and the greatest burden when it comes to investments in defending the external border of the European Union.”

Tusk also noted that cooperation in the development of civil and NATO infrastructure is important for both countries.

Merz: Russia remains the greatest threat

Merz said he talked to Tusk, among others, about a common history. Speaking of Warsaw, he noticed that “terrible events took place in this city.” – We Germany caused our Polish neighbors unspecified suffering – he emphasized.

The German chancellor declared that “Germany would never forget these millions of victims.” He reminded that soon a temporary monument to remember the victims of the German occupation of Poland during World War II would be opened in Berlin.

The German Chancellor emphasized that “Russia remains the greatest threat to our security and transatlantic relations.” – Poland as a direct neighbor of Russia and Belarus is particularly displayed in danger, which is why we have full understanding for this special situation – said Merz.

– Our deterrence potentials should be quickly and effectively developed – said the German Chancellor. He admitted that “Poland is making great efforts in this respect and does it also for the whole NATO.”

Merz reminded that the Germans changed its constitution to limit the so -called “debt brake so that we could invest these many billion euros in our defense.” As he noted, “this will be our contribution to European defense.”

The Chancellor mentioned that at the moment Polish and German pilots are guarding Polish airspace. – German Patriot rockets are guarded by airports in Rzeszów. We also participate in joint operations in the Baltic Sea – the head of the German government mentioned.

Merz on European defense expenses and reparations

Merz was asked about the matter of Europe's defense capabilities and reparations for Poland in connection with the damage caused during World War II.

– In Europe, when buying (military equipment) we need larger amounts. We produce too little. We need common standards and in Europe we need to simplify the systems – the chancellor pointed out. – We need much more equipment for the money, which we already spend in Europe on defense. And this is a priority for me before we talk about even larger sums – added Merz.

He emphasized that he is in favor of increasing defense debt possibilities in the European Union. – I am skeptical generally with new instruments about the European Union's debt. This does not mean that when it comes to financial regulations of European monetary policy, we cannot open the possibility, for example, in the scope of defense – noted Merz.

On reparations for Poland Friedrich Merz stated that “this topic is legally completed”. – As for legal issues in the context of possible reparations, they are completed. Which does not mean that we will not talk about joint projects, common ideas – he reserved.

Tusk: I asked the presence of patriots in Rzeszów

– The presence of soldiers, infrastructure, but also air defense not only Polish and German, but also other countries, is in interest Ukraine and all over Europe. That is why I asked the Chancellor to think that the German side would think about the extension of the presence of German patriots in Rzeszów by the end of the year – told Tusk.

– I know that it is difficult to count on a response within an hour, but thank you for fully understanding. It seems that it would be in the interest of all if we could wait for this type of decision – said the Polish prime minister.

He emphasized that – in his opinion – “the only thing that makes sense is the protection of the entire European territory, joint protection against external threat.” “And I count on it,” he added. – Of course, we will be looking for possible alternatives, but it would be good for us all if we could plan to further defend this place with a certain perspective, so important from the point of view of Europe's security – summed up the prime minister.

Merz and Tusk about migration

– From a German point of view, I know how great the responsibility of the protection of the external borders of the European Union that we do not have. But these are also of course our common European borders. And we do not leave the protection of these external boundaries only in the hands of those countries that have them, such as Poland, for example, the German Chancellor pointed out. – We perceive it as a commitment that these European external borders, also with the help of Germany, are better to protect – he added.

He noted that “the common goal is to drastically reduce illegal migration.” – And we work together in a good European spirit – added Merz.

In turn, Tusk reminded that when in Poland on the border with Belarus, the right to submit asylum applications, the then leader of the German opposition, was suspended, and now Chancellor Merz supported him in this decision.

He also emphasized that Merz is determined to make the Readmisja policy, or sending migrants to, “it was finally an effective policy.” – Here, Germany can count on full cooperation. Together, we will work on various models, which will finally make a fact with a fact – said the head of the Polish government.

Friedrich Merz's visit to Poland

Merz took an oath on the Bundestag on Tuesday. Earlier, the parliament chose the CDU leader as Chancellor, and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier gave him an act of nomination.

Only in the second attempt he obtained the required majority in the Bundestag. In the first vote, before noon, he unexpectedly got 310 votes, 18 less than the clubs creating a government coalition. Prime Minister Tusk congratulated Merz to choose from the German Chancellor, adding: “See you tomorrow in Warsaw.”

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